BERÇEM CÛDÎ

Kobanê- The people of North and East Syria will cast their votes in the municipal elections to be held on May 30. In an interview with NuJINHA, Zozan Bekir, Spokesperson of Kongra Star in the Euphrates Canton, gave information about the upcoming elections.

‘We put our signature under a new success’

“We put the municipal elections on our agenda after the Social Contract was approved by the General Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria on December 12, 2023. Then, the election law on the municipal elections was introduced,” Zozan Bekir said. “As the women’s movement, we made plans and formed an alliance with the PYD (Democratic Union Party) to run for the elections.”

Speaking about the primary elections to choose mayoral candidates, she said, “For the first time, the candidates were elected by people. This step was very important and meaningful for women. I can say that this step is one of the gains of the revolution in Rojava. Women achieved great successes by leading the revolution and now they add new ones to these successes.”

‘We will run for the elections with enthusiasm’

Zozan Bekir emphasized that women elected their candidates freely. “The primary elections were held in North and East Syria on April 28 and 29 to determine female mayoral candidates. Women's enthusiasm, color and will showed themselves in the primary elections. Women elected their own candidates with their own free will. Then, the PYD determined male candidates. Now, both female and male candidates are getting ready for the upcoming municipal elections.”

‘Preparations for the elections continue despite all the attacks’

Emphasizing the importance of municipal elections, Zozan Bekir said, “Everyone knows that the conflicts in Syria have been continuing for years and no stability has been achieved yet. In addition, the Middle East suffers from a deepening crisis. In such a period, the developments in North and East Syria are very important. A system based on democracy is implemented in North and Syria led by women and it allows people from all nationalities, religions and ethnicities to enjoy a peaceful and safe life. In this respect, the primary elections become a role model for the region.”

 Preparations and efforts for the elections continue in all cantons despite all the threats and attacks of the Turkish state, Zozan Bekir emphasized. “When women were getting ready for the primary elections in the Euphrates Canton, the building of the organizations protecting women from violence was targeted by Turkish drones and many were injured in the attack.”

First elections in liberated cities

The upcoming municipal elections in North and East Syria will be the first elections to be held in the cities liberated from ISIS such as Manbij, Tabqa, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. “The primary elections were held in these cities. In these cities, women play a leading role in rebuilding their cities since they were freed from the atrocity of ISIS. Today, the demands of all people in Syria for democracy, freedom, equality and peace are being realized in North and East Syria. We believe that everyone will play their role in democratizing their communities by casting their votes on May 30. We know that women and young people will find a solution to the conflict in Syria. The upcoming elections will be a response to all powers that cannot find a solution.”